Night-Hawk
NatureWhat is the meaning of Night-Hawk in the Bible?
The night-hawk is a bird identified by the Hebrew term tahmas. It appears exclusively within the Levitical lists of animals prohibited for consumption.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying this species helps scholars understand ancient Near Eastern dietary laws and the linguistic classification of fauna in the Torah.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Night-Hawk were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Night-Hawk in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Night-Hawk clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Night-Hawk." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nighthawk/